Columbus, IN—In 2012, cross-country became the first sports team formed at IUPUC; since that time the team continues to gain momentum.

Hogan Petro of Seymour, Ind., is a sophomore at IUPUC and a member of the cross country team. Petro is club president and shares his personal experience, “Early on, I thought I would always be a terrible runner and would probably quit running. However, by the end of high school I was one of the best. Nothing feels better than proving myself wrong and doing something that I once thought was impossible. That is why I run. I run because I'm still proving my old self-wrong.”

Petro was inspired by an older sibling but remained reluctant to get involved in cross-country. Although, his family encouraged and supported his involvement in sports, Hogan lacked interest and the self-confidence needed to be involved in competitive sports. However, by the sixth grade he was willing to give it a chance.

He quickly learned that it is about finishing what you start, even when obstacles present themselves. His first cross-country competition resulted in an asthma diagnosis, his first asthma attack, and, of course, dropping out of the race. However, after treatment and recovery he continued in the sport. Petro had a few additional setbacks and upsets, but eventually made the high school varsity team, ranking as a top competitor.

Coach Pat Laymon shares, “Hogan is an enthusiastic leader with a great work ethic. Through his hard work and talent, he will place well in big meets.”

Petro chose to continue his academic pursuit at IUPUC because it offers him the opportunity to obtain an education while participating athletically on a campus that is close to his hometown of Seymour.

Because IUPUC is not a regional campus, the sports teams are not categorized as varsity. Instead, they function as sports clubs. There are four different clubs at IUPUC that include: cross country, basketball, cheerleading, golf, and additionally some intramural sports. Members appreciate that the cost for IUPUC student club participation is free.

IUPUC students actively compete against sports clubs and teams from other colleges and universities. Annually, the IUPUC cross country team competes in three to four meets in Indiana and another in Wilmington, Ohio. The team is always searching for new and interesting meets in which to compete.

Class schedules for runners determine practice times, which occur one or two times each week. Also,

• Practices are typically on Wednesdays at 6 pm and meet at Entrance #4
• Cross country is open to all full-time OR part-time students at IUPUC
• The club consists of all levels of ability

The first national competition in cross country running occurred in 1876 in Britain and by 1903 the International Cross Country Championships were held for the first time. In 1973, the IAAF World Cross

Country Championships was formed and considered the most elite competition in its sport. Cross-country running as a sport includes team or individuals. They run competitively outdoors over natural terrain for typically 3.1 to 6.2 miles (5k to 10k races).

At meets, the top five runners from each team add up their finish places and that is the team score. Males and females generally begin in middle school to compete in cross-country, which usually takes place during the fall season. Regardless of weather conditions this hardy sport will continue in the rain, sleet, snow or hail, and a wide range of temperatures.

IUPUC Cross Country officials:

• Club president—Hogan Petro
• Coach—Patrick Laymon who coached Columbus East H.S. boys’ team for 30+ years
• Club advisor—Carla Laymon

The IUPUC cross-country teams’ goal and mission is to introduce the sport to our campus while getting the name Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) known when and where we compete.

For more information call Carla Laymon at (812) 348-7226 or email: cdlaymon@iupuc.edu.